Depending on the specialization, a doctor may encounter a variety of high-pressure situations during the day-to-day job. In many cases, doctors must make split-second decisions that can have a big impact on their patients. It is also crucial that a doctor is confident in his or her skill set as well as steady under pressure. You want someone who is able to deal with stress in a positive way. What to look for in an answer:

• Specific coping mechanisms for managing stressful situations
• The ability to maintain a steady, calm pace
• Making correct decisions quickly

Many medical institutions want to hire doctors that have the necessary professional skills to add to the team and an emotional range that can benefit potential patients. This question can help you gauge the underlying emotional and personal reasons a candidate may have entered the medical field. Most doctors will spend part of their day interacting with patients on a highly personal level. What to look for in an answer:

• Reasons that are unrelated to pay
• Anecdotes that can help you gauge bedside manner
• Long-term goals that exhibit emotional range

You may be looking for a physician with a specific set of abilities to add to your roster of professionals. Candidates should be able to tell you about any specialized training they have received and how that training could supplement the abilities of your current staff. They may list personality traits that are helpful to doctors as well. What to look for in an answer:

• Personal traits that augment professional skills
• Any special training that fills a role you need
• Accolades from the candidate’s school

The answer to this question will illustrate that the candidate pays attention to what each patient is saying and truly listens to what is bothering the individual rather than just going through the motions or making assumptions. Listening to a patient’s needs is a crucial part of bedside manner and leads to critical problem solving as the doctor assesses any issues and forms a proper diagnosis. What to look for in an answer:

• Forming a diagnosis based on patient information
• Conveying medical information in a relatable way
• Offering emotional support when necessary

This question demonstrates not only a doctor’s ability to work quickly and well under pressure but also how effectively he or she might be at dealing with multiple situations at once. Managing changes rapidly can be a crucial part of any medical environment. You’ll want to make sure your candidate can react appropriately to emergencies while handling any ongoing consultations with care and attentiveness. What to look for in an answer:

• Being able to switch tasks quickly
• Making sure current patients still receive care
• Devising solutions to emergencies en route

Doctors must have extensive knowledge of the types of medications they can prescribe to treat various conditions. They should also be aware of current developments on the market and potential new treatments for common issues. Interviewers can ask this question to learn about the doctor's awareness of pharmaceutical best practices and their own philosophy on prescribing medication. A good response will include:

• Critical thinking
• Listening to patient needs
• Knowledge of chemical interactions